Born in New York City in 1970, he pursued an academic path, earning a BA from Dartmouth College and an MFA from the University of California, Irvine. He initially gained recognition as a novelist with "The 25th Hour," which he later adapted into a screenplay for the film directed by Spike Lee. Transitioning to film and television, he co-created the acclaimed series "Game of Thrones." Known for his storytelling prowess, he continues to influence the industry through various writing and production roles.